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We are excited that the Care Shepherd ministry is resuming this month, under the direction of the Board of Deacons, and we would like to share the opportunity to serve in this meaningful ministry of congregational care.

The goal of the Care Shepherd ministry is to show Christian love and care to those of our church family who are in need. Opportunities exist to provide meals to those just home from the hospital, or to send a card or make a phone call to someone in a special care facility, or to provide comfort in other situations. Volunteers serve one month at a time on a Care Shepherd team that coordinates the needs of the congregation for that month. We already have a team in place for February but are humbly seeking volunteers to serve in the remaining months of 2013.

If you are willing to serve as a volunteer on a Care Shepherd team, please contact Lorri Looney at jeffandlorri@msn.com or call the church office at (423) 764-7176. Please indicate whether you prefer to serve for a particular month or are open to serve at any time during the year. Thank you for your interest and support.

In our Adult Learning program next week, Chuck Thompson continues his series, Fruit from the Lemon Tree. He describes it as "a collection of lessons from the therapy room." Topics may include "True Identity," "Doing Mary Marthaly," "Taming the Dragon that Whispers Negativity," "Forgiveness," "Cultivating Joy," "Grieving Well," and "Appreciating Anger." Come learn what insight can do with lemons, February 20, from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. This series continues through March 6.

Fellowship Dinner

Ruthie Blair is serving pasta next Wednesday. Please join us at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall, then stay for the programs.

Wednesday Night Kids

On February 20, our two classes will meet together for an activity night. From the beginning of the new year, we have been studying the parables of Jesus. Our activities will be related to the Parable of the Soil and Seeds, which taught us to listen, learn, and live God's word, and the Parable of the Leaven, which taught us that a little bit makes a big difference.

Chef Emerald and the apprentice Chowdown will not visit us this week, but everyone will participate in our own Iron Chef competition and then do a little baking with yeast. Don't miss the fun as we learn more about the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus helps us to be brave is our lesson this week, based on "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" (Psalm 56:3; NIV). We will learn about the fear of the disciples before Jesus calms the storm and that when we are afraid, Jesus is still with us. The lesson will be introduced with the well-known children's book Llama, Llama, Red Pajama, by Anna Dewdney.

Third- through fifth-graders are invited to join us for bowling next Sunday, February 24. Plan to meet at the church at 3:30 p.m. We will have enough adults to transport everyone to Interstate Bowl, where we will try to knock down those pins before we return to the church for pizza. The cost is $5. Look for more information in your mailbox, or contact Ann Abel at (423) 764-7176 or aabel@fpcbristol.org. Plan to pick your children up from room 11 in the Education Wing at 6:30 p.m.

All 6th- through 8th-graders are invited to join us for Middle School Mania on Sunday, February 24. It will be a night of crazy games, hanging with great friends, and food! The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m.

There's something pretty amazing about being in love, isn't there? The butterflies in your stomach. The dreamy gazes. No wonder so many of us are so in love with being in love. But if you look around-in the media, at school, in life-we've taken what God created and twisted it, morphed it, and configured it into something it was never meant to be: an obsession. When romantic relationships become an obsession, balance goes out the window. We miss out on opportunities and experiences we might otherwise have had. And sometimes we even forget who we are.

There's got to be healthier way to do this. There's got to be another way than being so lovesick. Join us during the Sunday School hour on February 17 for the conclusion of our series, Lovesick, for sixth- through twelfth-graders.

Because of the ski retreat, the high school Student Fellowship groups will not meet on the evening of Sunday, February 24. We will resume our meetings March 3.

 
Register now to join us March 1-3 at Blowing Rock Conference Center in Blowing Rock, NC, as we enjoy a weekend of sharing and exploring led by Christian speaker Joan Spitz.

This year we will explore "The Power of Encouragement," as Joan inspires us to know God more fully. Since the beginning of time, God has sent encouragement to His people in the midst of their lives. In times of uncertainty, we can learn from Old and New Testament patterns and recognize God's assurance in our lives today.

Have you ever wanted a stronger faith in God? Have you observed other people and wondered how they got to that level of strength? Have you felt like asking God, "I'm a Christian, but where is this power for living I'm supposed to have?"

If so, you will not want to miss Joan's teaching. She will remind us that the Kingdom of God is not just a matter of talk, but of power (1 Cor. 4:20). Lasting joy in our daily lives can be a reality. Hard times will still come our way, but the peace and presence of Christ will be our steady strength.

The price of the retreat includes two nights' lodging and five meals. A deposit of $25 should accompany your registration form. Single rooms are $165, double are $128, and triple are $110. Handicapped-accessible rooms are available on request, and scholarship assistance is available. Registration forms and more information can be found in the retreat brochures.